Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionDuring the UAE Government Annual Meetings, Minister Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar reported a 404% increase in Emirati private-sector employment since the Nafis programme launched in 2021. Female labour force participation grew by 109%, while registered companies rose by 46%. Approximately Dh37 billion in salaries is processed monthly through the Wage Protection System.
China's State Administration for Market Regulation granted unconditional antitrust approval for Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group to acquire video game developer Moonton from ByteDance. The transaction, agreed in March 2026, is valued at over $6 billion. The acquisition transfers ownership of the title Mobile Legends: Bang Bang to the Public Investment Fund subsidiary.
Investopia Bridge 2026 concluded in Abu Dhabi with the signing of seven major agreements. Highlights included a partnership with China Securities International, which officially established its first overseas office in the UAE.
Materials manufacturer Covestro showcased advanced solutions at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai alongside its majority owner, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. During the event, the company signed an agreement with Chinese firm MEGA P&C Advanced Materials to develop coatings for renewable energy hardware. Covestro also announced plans to expand its research and investment operations in China.
The Dubai International Financial Centre Courts published a white paper proposing a mechanism to resolve disputes across the on-chain economy. The framework enables court determinations to be executed directly on blockchain assets through machine-readable instructions.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
The Customs Tariff Commission of China's State Council has extended the suspension of a 24 percent additional tariff on US imports for two months starting November 10, 2026. A 10 percent additional tariff rate will remain in effect. The decision aims to provide tariff stability for trade corridors and intermediate re-exporters in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has introduced a copyright law that explicitly permits developers to use copyrighted materials for artificial intelligence training under defined statutory conditions. The legislation positions the Kingdom alongside jurisdictions such as Japan, Singapore, and the European Union that maintain specific AI training carveouts. The law also establishes a framework allowing Saudi entities to translate foreign works into Arabic without author consent under certain timeframes.
UAE businesses can recover input value-added tax on six categories of staff expenses under Federal Tax Authority Decision No. 17 of 2026, which took effect on October 1 following its issuance on September 9. The eligible categories cover work transport, food and beverages in remote areas, employee accommodation, temporary housing for new hires, telecommunications, and business parking. Eligibility requires businesses to satisfy strict documentation and operational conditions, while personal benefits and cash allowances remain excluded from recovery.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
UAE Ambassador to China Hussein Hamadi officially opened the UAE National Pavilion at the 9th China International Import Expo in Shanghai. The pavilion showcases UAE developments in trade, aviation services, financial investment, and food agriculture. Officials stated the participation is aimed at deepening bilateral economic ties and expanding export opportunities for UAE businesses in China.
GITEX World RobotiX will take place from December 8 to 11 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, showcasing embodied artificial intelligence and humanoid machines. Leading Chinese robotics developers, including Unitree, UBTECH, and Lumos Robotics, will display industrial and commercial models alongside UAE integrators. The showcase supports Dubai's Robotics and Automation Program, which targets deploying 200,000 robots by 2032.
Emirates President Sir Tim Clark stated that it is only a matter of time before Chinese aircraft manufacturers challenge the commercial duopoly of Airbus and Boeing. Clark advised the aviation industry to prepare for China's market entry, asserting that China has the will to succeed. The assessment highlights China's commercial push with the COMAC C919 narrow-body passenger jet.
Chinese electric vehicle maker XPeng has officially launched its GX and G9L extended-range flagship SUVs for pre-order across 11 Middle Eastern and African countries following a launch event in Dubai. In the UAE, the six-seat GX Flagship Edition is priced at AED 299,000, while the G9L carries a starting pre-sale price of AED 259,000. XPeng reported that the GX had gathered over 4,000 pre-orders across the region ahead of initial deliveries, including 800 in the UAE.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Finance & Investment
Abu Dhabi property sales surged 105 percent year-on-year to AED 119.33 billion ($32.5 billion) in the first nine months of 2026, according to data from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) reported by Arabian Business. Foreign investment in the emirate's dedicated investment zones climbed 131 percent to AED 86.11 billion ($23.4 billion), making up 81 percent of total investment value in those areas. Overall real estate transactions reached AED 171.26 billion ($46.6 billion) across 38,483 deals.
Energy & Sustainability
ADNOC Gas is examining alternative export routes to supply customers and reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz amid regional shipping risks. Chief Executive Officer Fatema Al Nuaimi stated that no final investment or routing decisions have been made. The group is exploring options along the UAE's east coast while continuing domestic pipeline network expansion.
Logistics & Trade
Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Foreign Trade has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of structural steel originating in China and Turkiye. The probe targets hot-rolled iron or steel structural sections, angles, and shapes in light and medium categories. The action was launched pursuant to the Kingdom's Trade Remedies Law enacted in November 2022.
Consumer Markets & Tourism
Emirates is targeting the delivery of its first Boeing 777X wide-body aircraft in late 2027 following years of program delays. Emirates President Sir Tim Clark stated the carrier is negotiating with Boeing to increase its initial batch to between three and five jets. The airline holds orders for roughly 270 aircraft across the 777X family.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
Transit restriction
Strait of Hormuz
Airspace restriction / airport disruption
Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Official travel advisory
Bahrain
Flight cancellation / route change
Damascus International Airport
Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
Discover forums, exhibitions and business gatherings connecting people across China and the UAE.
Forum
Forum
Forum
Membership
Connect with businesses across China and the UAE. Exchange knowledge, explore opportunities and contribute to a community that values cooperation, mutual understanding and peace.
Become a Member
Membership
Tell us about your experience and connection to UAE–China business. UECN assesses your application and offers the right membership category — fees are shared privately with your offer.
We send you a one-time sign-in link — your answers are saved as you go.
